Thrall, the Myron and Rosemary Noble Associate Professor of Structural Engineering, is the director of the Kinetic Structures Laboratory at the University of Notre Dame which is dedicated to investigating the behavior, design, and optimization of kinetic civil infrastructure utilizing analytical, numerical, and experimental approaches. Her research includes the design of rapidly deployable origami-inspired shelters, rapidly erectable bridge systems, and the use of prefabricated high-strength rebar systems with high-performance concrete for accelerated construction of nuclear concrete structures.

“Professor Thrall has been an innovative and dynamic researcher and teacher,” says CEEES Department Chair Joannes Westerink. “It is clear that she is emerging as a young leader in her field who is solving a wide range of challenging structural design problems.”

Previously, Thrall was also the recipient of the National Science Foundation Early Faculty Career Development Award.

In addition to teaching three courses in the CEEES Department, Thrall has also partnered with Riley High School in South Bend to develop and implement a program aimed at increasing the participation and retention of women in the engineering magnet program. She also leads yearly engineering workshops for local middle school girls and has served as co-advisor to the ASCE/AISC Steel Bridge Competition Team at Notre Dame.

Thrall will be recognized at AISC’s awards ceremony, The Steel Conference, in Baltimore in April 2018.